MERSEYTRAVEL looks set to take over the Pacific Road Arts Centre released under Wirral Council's controversial strategic asset review.The council’s director of law has been authorised to negotiate and conclude legal documentation to allow Merseytravel to take over the centre and the adjacent Wirral Transport Museum and Tramway.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, said: "Merseytravel submitted an extremely strong bid, which importantly, supports our aspirations for the future of the borough.
"They have an excellent track record of managing successful visitor attractions and in line with the wishes of our residents, plan to retain and develop Pacific Road as a performance venue.
"Importantly, their proposals will contribute towards our aim of achieving a prosperous economy, whilst providing residents and visitors with improved transport links and enhancing the ambitious regeneration plans for this area of Wirral.
"I hope that residents now feel reassured as Merseytravel has exciting plans in the pipeline, which will not only improve things for the better, but also retain facilities that local people feel so strongly about."
Prior to a decision being taken on the preferred bidder, the council undertook a rigorous selection process, it said in a statement.
That examined criteria including conformity with council resolutions and strategic objectives, development potential, staffing and human resources, financial information and community engagement.
Following that process, the business plans of shortlisted applicants were carefully considered by a panel of senior officers, whose recommendations were endorsed by Cabinet last night, Wednesday, December 9.
THE GLOBE
